O General Information and Indications:
Oxybutynin transdermal patches are used
to treat an overactive bladder (a condition in which the bladder muscles
contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to
urinate, and inability to control urination). Oxybutynin is in a class of
medications called anticholinergics. It works by relaxing the bladder
muscles to prevent urgent, frequent, or uncontrolled urination.
O Information For Users:
Transdermal oxybutynin comes as a patch to apply
to the skin. It is usually applied twice each week (every 3-4 days). You
should apply transdermal oxybutynin on the same 2 days of the week every
week. To help you remember to apply your patches on the right days, you
should mark the calendar on the back of your package of medication. Follow
the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If
you have any questions. Use transdermal oxybutynin exactly as directed. Do
not apply more or fewer patches or apply the patches more often than
prescribed by your doctor.
You can apply oxybutynin patches anywhere on your stomach, hips, or buttocks
except the area around your waistline. Choose an area where you think the
patch will be comfortable for you, where it will not be rubbed by tight
clothing, and where it will be protected from sunlight by clothing. After
you apply a patch to a particular area, wait at least 1 week before applying
another patch in that spot. Do not apply patches to skin that has wrinkles
or folds; that you have recently treated with any lotion, oil, or powder; or
that is oily, cut, scraped, or irritated. Before applying a patch, be sure
the skin is clean and dry.
After you apply an oxybutynin patch, you should wear it all the time until
you are ready to remove it and put on a fresh patch. If the patch loosens or
falls off before it is time to replace it, try to press it back in place
with your fingers. If the patch cannot be pressed back on, throw it away and
apply a fresh patch to a different area. Replace the fresh patch on your
next scheduled patch change day.
You may bathe, swim, shower, or exercise while you are wearing an oxybutynin
patch. However, try not to rub on the patch during these activities, and do
not soak in a hot tub for a long period of time while wearing a patch.
Transdermal oxybutynin controls the symptoms of overactive bladder but does
not cure the condition. Continue taking transdermal oxybutynin even if you
feel well. Do not discontinue taking transdermal oxybutynin without
informing your doctor.
To use the patches, follow these steps:
o Open the protective pouch and remove the patch.
o Peel the first piece of liner off the sticky side of the patch. A second
strip of liner should remain stuck to the patch.
o Press the patch firmly onto your skin with the sticky side down. Be
careful not to touch the sticky side with your fingers.
o Bend the patch in half and use your fingertips to roll the remaining part
of the patch onto your skin. The second liner strip should fall off of the
patch when you do this.
o Press firmly on the surface of the patch to attach it tightly to your
skin.
o When you are ready to remove a patch, peel it off slowly and gently. Fold
the patch in half with the sticky sides together and throw it away in a
trash can that is out of reach of children and pets. Children and pets can
be harmed if they chew on, play with, or wear used patches.
o Wash the area that was under the patch with mild soap and warm water to
remove any residue. If necessary, you can use baby oil or a medical adhesive
removal pad to remove residue that will not come off with soap and water. Do
not use alcohol, nail polish remover, or other solvents.
o Apply a new patch to a different area immediately by following steps 1–5.
O Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to oxybutynin (Ditropan, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol), any other
medications, medical tape products, or other skin patches.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as
fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and
miconazole (Micatin, Monistat); antihistamines; aspirin and other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); chlorpromazine (Thorazine);
cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral,
Sandimmune); danazol (Danocrine); delavirdine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem,
Dilacor, Tiazac); doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin,
Erythrocin); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); HIV protease
inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); ipatropium (Atrovent);
isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid); iron supplements; medications for osteoporosis or
bone disease such as alendronate (Fosamax), etidronate (Didronel),
ibandronate (Boniva), and risedronate (Actonel); medications for irritable
bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, ulcers, or urinary
problems; metronidazole (Flagyl); morphine (MSIR, Oramorph, others);
nefazodone (Serzone); oral contraceptives (birth control pills); paroxetine
(Paxil); potassium supplements (Slow-K, Klor-Con, others); qunidine (Quinaglute);
tetracycline (Sumycin); troleandomycin (TAO); verapamil (Calan, Covera,
Isoptin, Verelan); and zafirlukast (Accolate). Your doctor may need to
change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side
effects.
o Inform your doctor if you or any of your family members have or have ever
had glaucoma (an eye disease that can cause vision loss) and if you have or
have ever had any type of blockage in the bladder or digestive system;
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, a condition in which the contents of
the stomach back up into the esophagus and cause pain and heartburn);
myasthenia gravis (a disorder of the nervous system that causes muscle
weakeness); ulcerative colitis (sores in the intestine that cause stomach
pain and diarrhea); benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the
prostate, a male reproductive organ); or liver or kidney disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using transdermal oxybutynin,
call your doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are using transdermal oxybutynin.
o you should know that transdermal oxybutynin may make you drowsy and may
blur your vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how
this medication affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
o you should know that transdermal oxybutynin may make it harder for your
body to cool down when it gets very hot. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, and
call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you have fever or
other signs of heat stroke such as dizziness, upset stomach, headache,
confusion, and fast pulse after you are exposed to heat.
O
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Transdermal oxybutynin may cause adverse
effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or
do not go away:
o redness, burning, or itching in the place where you applied a patch
o dry mouth
o constipation
o stomach pain
o gas
o upset stomach
o extreme tiredness
o drowsiness
o headache
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o flushing
o back pain
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o blisters, rash, or spots in the place where you applied a patch
o rash anywhere on the body
o painful urination
O Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o flushing
o fever
o constipation
o dry skin
o sunken eyes
o extreme tiredness
o irregular heartbeat
o vomiting
o inability to urinate
o memory loss
o semi-awake state
o confusion
o wide pupils
O Brand Name(s):
o Ditropan®
o Ditropan® Syrup
o Ditropan® XL |
